2026 Richmond Tigers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Preview
North Melbourne will keep alive their slim hopes of landing in the top 10 at the end of the home-and-away season with a win over Richmond in a match where the total points under looks in play.
The Kangaroos enter with a 6-7 win-loss record, just one win behind 10th-placed GWS, and have a golden opportunity to bank another four points.
While North Melbourne have been inconsistent throughout the season, they responded strongly to their heavy loss against Fremantle by grinding out a one-point win over West Coast, where their tackling pressure, contested ball work and defensive intent returned in that match, helping them find a way to win despite being challenged throughout the afternoon.
Those traits should hold them in good stead against a Richmond side that continues to compete hard but has struggled to maintain consistency against stronger opposition. The Tigers showed encouraging signs in their 35-point loss to Brisbane last weekend, matching the Lions for long periods before being overrun in the second half.
North Melbourne's midfield has the edge, led by Harry Sheezel, who continues to be one of the competition's premier ball winners. They should also have the advantage around stoppages through Tristan Xerri and their experienced midfield group, while Nick Larkey looms as a major threat after kicking 15 goals in his past four matches against Richmond.
While Richmond were far more competitive against Brisbane and are expected to regain a handful of experienced players, scoring has remained a challenge throughout the season. The Tigers average just 67 points per game in 2026 and have generally struggled to generate enough opportunities against organised defensive sides.
The Kangaroos are not renowned for their defence but have a much better record against lower sides. Take them in the 1-39 range, while the total match points under also appeals. Harry Sheezel should again find plenty of the football and looks a strong chance to reach 30+ disposals, while Tim Taranto can continue his solid form with 25+ disposals.
- Nine of North Melbourne's past 10 matches at the MCG have been decided by less than 40 points.
- Richmond's three matches this season against sides outside the top 10 at the venue have produced an average total score of just 138 points.
- Harry Sheezel has had over 90 disposals in his past two matches against the Tigers
- Tim Taranto had 29 disposals against Brisbane last weekend
Head to Head
North Melbourne have taken out the past four matches between the two sides, including the Round 6 fixture this season by 75 points.
Standout player performances in the recent head-to-heads have come from:
- Cooper Trembath (Roos) - Three goals in each of his past two matches against Richmond
- Nick Larkey (Roos) - 15 goals from his past four matches against the Tigers
- Seth Campbell (Tigers) - 2+ goals in his past three matches against the Roos
- Harry Sheezel (Roos) - 54 disposals and 39 disposals in his past two matches against the Tigers
Richmond Tigers Form Analysis
Richmond have won just two matches this season, with both of those coming in their past six matches - an 11-point win over West Coast in Round 8 as well as an 18-point triumph against Essendon in Round 11.
They were given a brutal reality check by Sydney a fortnight ago when going down by 114 points and returned from the bye with a 35-point loss at the hands of Brisbane. Richmond generated plenty of front-half turnovers and trailed by just three points at half-time before Brisbane's class eventually came to the fore.
The Tigers continue to show strong effort through their younger players but are struggling to maintain intensity and execution across four quarters against quality opposition. Their injury-hit list has forced inexperienced players into major roles and they have often been overrun late in games.
Opportunities up forward have been limited, with Richmond averaging just 67 points per game in 2026. Jasper Alger booted four goals last weekend, while Seth Campbell and Steely Green lead the goal-kicking tally with 13 majors for the season. Jayden Short is Richmond's leading disposal winner, averaging just under 25 per game. Tim Taranto collected 29 disposals and two goals against Brisbane and has had 25+ disposals in three of his past five matches, while he had 24 in another.
Richmond Tigers Team News
Toby Nankervis, Rhyan Mansell, Kane McAuliffe and Jack Ross are possible inclusions and will provide much-needed experience if they return.
North Melbourne Kangaroos Form Analysis
North Melbourne have been up and down like a yo-yo and continue to search for consistency. They are 6-7 this season and have won two of their past three, with tight victories over Gold Coast (six points) and West Coast (one point), split by a 124-point loss to Fremantle.
In the one-point win over West Coast, Harry Sheezel stood out with 33 disposals and 10 clearances, while Nick Larkey and Jack Darling kicked four goals each, accounting for eight of the Kangaroos' 10 goals in the 10.14 (74) to 10.13 (73) victory. The Kangaroos out-tackled the Eagles 72-47 and won the contested possession count, reinforcing the response that was required after their disappointing showing the week prior.
Sheezel has hit 30+ disposals in five of his past eight matches. Jack Darling has booted eight goals in his past three matches, while Larkey leads the Roos' goal-kicking table with 30 majors from 13 games.
North Melbourne Kangaroos Team News
The Kangaroos got through the Eagles match unscathed on the injury front. Riley Hardeman, Finn O'Sullivan and Callum Coleman-Jones are possible inclusions, while Tom Powell is another week or two away.